Scientific Method: Key Concepts

• Scientific Method: A series of steps scientists use to answer questions about the world.
• Question: The problem an experiment aims to answer.
• Background: Information from books, journals, or the internet providing context for the experiment.
• Hypothesis: A testable potential answer to the research question.
• Experiment: A test providing data to directly answer a question.
• Empirical Data: Information from experience or observation.
• Conclusion: Whether the experiment's data supports or rejects the hypothesis.
• Independent Variable: The factor being tested and intentionally changed in an experiment.
• Dependent Variable: The factor being measured in an experiment.
• Significance: Statistical determination of whether observed change is due to chance.
• Peer review: Evaluation of scientific work by experts to determine its validity.
• Scientific Theory: A hypothesis widely supported by empirical research.
• Biases: Factors causing prejudice toward a specific outcome.

Scientific Method as a Procedure

• The scientific method serves as a procedure for scientists to answer questions and develop explanations.
• This method has evolved over time.
• The specific steps and their order can vary based on the nature of the experiment and the scientific discipline.

Steps

• Question
• Background Research
• Hypothesis Creation
• Experiment Execution
• Data Analysis
• Conclusion Formation

Replication and Validity

• Experiments using this procedure can be replicated.
• A hypothesis repeatedly supported may become a theory.
• Experimenter biases can compromise an experiment's validity.